CVE-2005-2857: Free SMTP Server 2.2 allows remote attackers to use the server as an open mail relay (spam proxy).

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HIGH 7.5DOWNGRADE

CVE-2005-2857 is a high-severity flaw (CVSS 7.5) affecting free smtp server. Below: why it ranks where it does, which versions are affected, what to do, and the exact commands.

Free SMTP Server 2.2 allows remote attackers to use the server as an open mail relay (spam proxy).

Why this priority

High severity
Public exploit reference

No fix is published yet: follow the downgrade or mitigation steps.

Risk facts

CVSS score	7.5 (High)
EPSS exploit chance	2.6% (top 15%)
CISA exploited list	No
Published	2005-09-08
Last modified	2026-06-16

Publisher (CNA): MITRE · Vendor: softstack

Last updated 2026-06-16 · Sources: CVE Program, NVD, CISA KEV, EPSS and vendor advisories · How we score

Am I affected?

Timeline

2005-09-08 10:03 UTCPublished CVE record published
2026-06-16 22:15 UTCUpdated Record last modified

softstack free smtp server DOWNGRADE

Affected: 2.2

Fixed in: no fixed release known

Safe to downgrade to: a release before 2.2

1. Check installed version

apt-cache policy free-smtp-server || rpm -q free-smtp-server || free-smtp-server --version

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE to a release before 2.2 (Debian / Ubuntu)

apt-cache madison free-smtp-server sudo apt install free-smtp-server=<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo apt-mark hold free-smtp-server

2. No fixed release: DOWNGRADE (RHEL / Amazon Linux / Fedora)

dnf --showduplicates list free-smtp-server sudo dnf downgrade free-smtp-server-<VERSION_BEFORE_2.2> sudo dnf versionlock add free-smtp-server

Downgrade risk

Downgrading can break dependent software and may reopen older bugs. Read the distro advisory first and test on a non-production host.

After downgrade

Restart the service, and keep the package held until a fixed release ships.

Public exploits and detection

Public code exists for this CVE. Treat unpatched systems as at risk, and only run PoCs in a lab.

Exploit-DB: Free SMTP Server 2.2 - Spam Filter

Verify at the official source NVD · CVE Program · Report a problem with this page
Scores and fixes here are computed automatically from those and other public sources. Confirm with the vendor advisory before changing production systems.

Quick answers

How do I fix CVE-2005-2857?

free smtp server: downgrade or apply the listed mitigation. Exact commands for each OS are on this page.

Is CVE-2005-2857 being exploited?

CVE-2005-2857 is not on the CISA Known Exploited Vulnerabilities list at the time of the last update. Check again, as this can change.

What does CVE-2005-2857 affect?

CVE-2005-2857 affects free smtp server. Severity is high (CVSS 7.5). Free SMTP Server 2.2 allows remote attackers to use the server as an open mail relay (spam proxy).

How urgent is CVE-2005-2857?

Priority 53/100. High severity; Public exploit reference

References

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